Taking positive steps towards Summer!

Peak District National Park Rangers have teamed up with Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Walking for Health scheme to provide new opportunities for people to enjoy the UK’s original National Park.

The new programme of walks cater for wheelchair users, carers and people living with dementia.

National Park ranger Sally Wheal explains: “Getting out and being active in the Peak District National Park can be challenging if you use a wheelchair or are living with dementia, so we’ve developed a new programme of ranger-led walks that meet people’s needs.

“Our ranger-led walks give people the opportunity to visit the countryside who wouldn’t have the confidence to explore it on their own. Taking some gentle exercise in the fresh air, in good company, with views of the National Park landscape puts a smile on people’s faces and lifts their spirits.”

The new ranger-led Roll and Stroll and Dementia Friendly Walks are available now. These are extra to the National Park’s regular Health Walks and Next Steps walks. All the walks are short, lasting around an hour, and follow easy, accessible routes.

Roll and Stroll are on Monday mornings. These walks are fully accessible for wheelchair users and are also offered to care homes for adults with learning difficulties, as well as to individuals and carers. Stroll and Roll walks help people get outdoors and active. They provide the opportunity to meet new people and bring positive health benefits to everyone who takes part.

Dementia Friendly Walks are on Tuesday afternoons. These are for people living with dementia and their carers to enjoy exercise, good company and the great outdoors. Being closer to nature and taking regular exercise has many benefits for people living with dementia as well as giving their carers a chance to stay active and socialise.

The walks are possible thanks to organisations working together: Peak District National Park, Derbyshire Dales District Council Walking for Health scheme, ‘Making Space’ Derbyshire Dementia Support Services, EMH Care and Support, Chesterfield Walking for Health, Derbyshire Carers, and the Alzheimer’s Society.